Susan Luckman and Nicola Thomas have drawn deeply and carefully from the world's well of the contemporary craft economy. Their pluralistic, international approach makes for a complex and counterpointed book of essays. Craft emerges from statistics as a still humanistic practice: hovering with creative intelligence in the body politic of culture and the economy. * Simon Olding, Director of the Craft Study Centre at the University for the Creative Arts, UK * This collection offers a comprehensive overview of the craft economy as a viable force in opposition to existing systems of production through the humanization of work and commerce. It is critical to examine concepts such as disruptive collaboration, commodity activism and individualized consumption to ensure that highly networked societies of makers will continue to successfully position themselves within a consumer base no longer satisfied with the stuff of mass production. * Heidi Schwegler, Chair of the MFA in Applied Craft and Design at Oregon College of Art and Craft, USA * A rich collection of essays that reveal cultural economies of craft to be subtle, complex and pervasive - craft is a social and material practice that drives the most cutting-edge technology, innovation and design, yet also brings life to people and places, makes human relations, and gives form to imagined futures and worlds. This book shows us that the 'tactile turn' not only has global resonance but many diverse expressions - and is a perfect introduction to all those who care about craft, material-making, and the likely prospects for sustainable economies of tomorrow. * Mark Banks, Director of the CAMEo Research Institute for Cultural and Media Economies, University of Leicester, UK * A collection of essays taking a scholarly look at contemporary craft production around the world, placing professional and amateur practice within the broader creative economy. Look out for contributions by Ezra Shales and the Craft Council's head of research and policy Julia Bennett. * UK Craft Council / Crafts magazine *